Best Restorative Justice Grants in Illinois

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, youth services, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding that demonstrates clear community need and measurable outcomes. Focused on community well-being, Costco Foundation invites organizations, including those with restorative justice components for young people, to apply; requests are typically a small share of the total program budget.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through health, education, development, or welfare programs in Illinois and beyond can receive up to US $15,000 for direct services and enrichment. The DanPaul Foundation supports efforts such as child advocacy, homelessness and poverty relief, refugee enrichment, and youth-focused environmental responsibility, which may include restorative and healing-centered work with justice-involved youth.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits working on scalable social or environmental solutions in Illinois can access funding through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation; awards up to US $300,000 over three years for growth. Organizations advancing criminal justice system reform or restorative justice as part of broader systems-change work may be eligible.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Illinois can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Focused on community and public safety, State Farm Companies Foundation invites projects that strengthen neighborhoods, improve disaster preparedness, and expand opportunities that may support restorative justice-related efforts.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant to support impactful arts and science programming. Program, capital, and limited general or endowment support are available for institutions such as museums, theaters, symphonies, and arts schools, including those in Illinois that may incorporate restorative practices in their work.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Organizations such as nonprofits, schools, social enterprises, and public entities in Illinois working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible projects must be located in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on early childhood education, community development, or services for low- and moderate-income residents can seek support for programs, workforce development, housing, and neighborhood revitalization. PNC Foundation provides funding in communities where it has a significant presence, which may benefit organizations integrating restorative or community-based justice approaches into their work.

Nonprofit charities in Illinois can seek funding for humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural projects that promote sustainable development and engage local communities. With a mission to strengthen communities, La Roche provides Illinois criminal justice system reform and other community-focused organizations with support for innovative, high-quality initiatives managed by accredited charities and coordinated with local Roche affiliates.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services in Illinois and worldwide can seek support for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable communities. Semnani Family Foundation supports efforts such as healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, and social services; Illinois groups incorporating restorative or community-based justice elements into this work may be eligible.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in charitable, scientific, medical, or educational fields can seek support for programs serving communities in Illinois and nationwide. Sidney Stern Memorial Trust supports well-managed nonprofits whose services have substantial impact; Illinois groups advancing criminal justice system reform or restorative justice within the U.S. may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Illinois can seek sponsorship support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, and diversity initiatives. Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides regional U.S. sponsorships that may benefit restorative justice and criminal justice reform efforts connected to housing, jobs, hunger, or neighborhood preservation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can receive storytelling support to showcase their impact across preservation, education, and wellness programs. Grants from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation help Illinois organizations, including those advancing criminal justice system reform and restorative justice, fund media and narrative projects that highlight their community-changing work; awards are more than US $50,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can apply for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation, including those in Illinois. With a mission to uplift people and respect the environment, the foundation provides funding that may benefit restorative justice and related criminal justice reform efforts.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Organizations and agencies in Illinois planning green infrastructure projects to manage stormwater runoff can apply for grants ranging from US $75,000 - US $2,500,000. Illinois Environmental Protection Agency funding supports construction of BMPs such as bioinfiltration, permeable pavement, detention basins, wetlands, floodplain reconnection, and watershed-wide or rainwater harvesting projects that reduce flooding impacts.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for funding from Ameriprise Financial to support programs in hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and community development. Illinois organizations working on restorative justice alongside economic stability, housing, or community revitalization may be especially competitive where Ameriprise volunteers are actively engaged.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations can seek project funding for education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs, including restorative justice–related work, in Illinois and beyond. Dr Scholl Foundation supports primarily U.S.-based initiatives with grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 through an annual October–March application cycle.

Government, education, and nonprofit organizations in Illinois can receive US $18,000 - US $227,479 to operate outpatient mental health and fitness restoration services for defendants found unfit to stand trial. With a mission to expand community-based forensic treatment, Illinois Department of Human Services provides funding for psychiatric care, substance use treatment, housing case management, and legal education that may support restorative justice efforts.

Illinois 501(c)(3) public charities can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, community vitality, workforce development, or environmental sustainability projects that primarily benefit communities served by Union Pacific. Union Pacific Foundation provides funding that can support programs preventing crime and violence, strengthening community safety, and advancing equitable, restorative approaches to community wellbeing.

Illinois nonprofits and charitable organizations serving youth, families, food security, or environmental stewardship can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. U.S. 501(c)(3)s and equivalent charities in select countries may receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs such as restorative, community-centered youth development, housing support, hunger relief, and educational initiatives.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

Created in 1983, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) is a state agency dedicated to improving the administration of criminal justice. ICJIA brings together key leaders from the justice system and the public to identify critical issues faced by the criminal justice system in Illinois and to propose and evaluate policies, programs, and legislation that address those issues. The agency also works to ensure the criminal justice system in Illinois is efficient, effective, and equitable.

In the area of grants administration, ICJIA: 1. Implements and funds criminal justice and violence prevention programs under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Adult Redeploy Illinois (ARI), Restore, Reinvest, Renew (R3) Program, and other state and federal grant programs. 2. Monitors program activity, ensures accountability, and provides technical assistance to grantees.

Institute to Innovate (i2i) Capacity Building and Violence Prevention Grant Program

The Institute to Innovate (i2i) program invests in organizations working to prevent violence and improve public safety throughout Illinois. The program recognizes that effective violence prevention depends on both strong community-based services and the organizational infrastructure needed to support those services. Applicants must select one of the following project pathways:

• Capacity Building Activities: Projects that strengthen organizational leadership, governance, financial management, workforce, technology, policies, evaluation practices, or other internal systems.
• Violence Prevention Activities: Projects that provide or expand eligible community-based violence prevention services.
• Combined Capacity Building and Violence Prevention Activities: Projects that strengthen organizational systems while also providing, expanding, or improving violence prevention services.